MLB Player Outlook: David Ortiz looking to make an impression
Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis quickly are the names that come to mind the moment Boston Red Sox name is mentioned. Their contribution is undoubtedly invaluable in helping the Red Sox remain the dominant side whenever they meet their rivals.
However, there is one player, David Ortiz that has won praise by team-mates, critics and fans alike. The Red Sox rely upon Ortiz to help them cruise through murky waters during critical games.
There are a lot of identifiable traits of this player that make him a subject of liking. Be it his run power to the virtually intimidating physical stature and a smile that inspires admiration. Among other things, he is regarded as possibly the greatest
clutch-hitter in the history of the Boston Red Sox.
If you’re blessed with a tenacious memory, you will easily recall the two enthralling nights during American League Championship Series in 2004 when Ortiz undertook an endeavor that saw his team win two consecutive matches, Game 4 and Game 5 with game-winning
home-runs in the 12th and 14th innings in both matches.
A six-time All-Star and an impressive two-time World Series Champion, Ortiz has maintained an average of 30 HRs in past four seasons in Boston, having hit .270 with 32 HRs in 102 RBIs in 145 games in 2010.
His increasing age may be a cause of worry not only for his coach but the avid fans of the team. However, at 35 Ortiz is all set to stifle the murmuring voices that talk of his potential inability to perform to his best. The 2011 season is likely to mark
– even if it is his last year on the field, his memorable performance widely anticipated by the fans and critics alike.
After all, who can forget the three consecutive struggling years that created clouds of suspicion over his career? Hardly could anyone predict that he would make a comeback, but he did.
An early season struggle may be cause of worry for the team fans, but he barely seems ruffled by it. He still has enough game left in himself to play a champion’s game.
Some may suggest that he is no longer having 1.000 OPS, but his reliability and consistency as a player is intact—and will remain so.
Ortiz’s age, like suggested above, may be a worrying factor, but chances are – considering the consistency he has maintained, that he may weather the unlikely storm.
Such is Sox’s strength this season that even if Ortiz fails to put up what is expected of him, his team will compensate it with their play. The past two seasons has been severe in terms of scathing criticism that was hurled at Big Papi for his relatively
slow star.
This came when he posted a mere .143 batting average coming only with one home run. His start may not be troubled by slow start this season owing to the new valuable additions in the team like that of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.
But in all probability, the fans will be looking to Ortiz for his feat. Here is why. Entering his final year of his contract, he is bound to provide a great booster with a consistent season start and finish. The hopes are that if he does, as expected, something
extraordinary, the team may reconsider signing another contract just when age was a worrying factor.
Having expressed optimism, which is punctuated with obvious reality, Ortiz and his team are poised to demonstrate a game that is a treat to watch in the nearing 2011 Major League Baseball Season.
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